Mortgage Leader Finds Its Own Forever Home

Eustis worked with The Global Office of Architecture & Taste (aka GOAT) on the design of its new, 7,000-square-foot space. The open-office concept extends through several departments and a handful of private offices line the perimeters of the open areas.

Eustis Mortgage was based at Entergy Center for 25 years. Near the end of 2019, the 64-year-old company moved into a new space at The Standard at South Market, a mixed-use development designed by architect Morris Adjmi.

“We started considering new spaces because that space was dated,” said Eustis Mortgage CEO Kate deKay. “It was a very ’80s, law office vibe. I wasn’t a big fan of the layout. We had a great view, but all of the offices were shoved up against the glass, so we were really spread out.”

The 11,000-square-foot Entergy Center-based office included considerable storage space for old files that needed to be reviewed and purged. Also, according to deKay, collaboration and communication were difficult and a lot of space wasn’t being utilized.

“We have a lot of people who work remotely,” she said. “We find it very [efficient]. It’s rare that we have every seat taken.”

Eustis worked with The Global Office of Architecture & Taste (aka GOAT) on the design of the company’s new, 7,000-square-foot space. Located at street level, it offers greater mobility for employees and enjoys increased visibility with passersby.

“Visibility for our customers was really important,” said deKay. “It’s a more collaborative and friendly environment for the employees. I’ve noticed people going for a walk or to check out the area.”

The open-office concept extends through several departments, and a handful of private offices line the perimeters of the open areas. An employee lounge overlooks the street and a large kitchen sits in the middle of the space.

The new space is not without its challenges and growing pains, however.

“Reminders on things like others’ personal space, meaningful collaboration versus what could potentially be an interruption and using your inside voice [and so forth] are all things that you may not pay attention to in a closed-door environment,” said deKay. “Opening the doors was a better fit with our culture, with the reminder to be mindful.”

Transparency, fun and family culture are priorities for the company, said deKay, and all are elements that influenced the design of the Eustis’ new home.

“It was important to me to keep my office open to create inclusiveness,” said deKay. “You don’t find many companies that people join because they want a forever home. We have people who have been with us for 40-plus years, and it’s because the family culture is the core of our DNA. [We] keep it fun. One reason we moved is we were ready for an update from the stuffy office environment. Take time for yourself, go out and get fresh air, and enjoy the wonderful amenities in The South Market. It feels friendly and welcoming.”

At A Glance

Business name
Eustis Mortgage

Location
798 S. Rampart St. at The Standard

Date of opening
Late 2019 in the new space

Size
7,000 square feet

Number of Employees
140

Person in Charge
Kate deKay, CEO

“It was important to me to keep my office open to create inclusiveness,” says CEO Kate deKay, whose office has only one back wall and is otherwise enclosed in glass, with doors opening into the conference room and the open office area on the other side. There is an employee lounge overlooking the street and a large kitchen in the middle of the space.

The Eustis Mortgage sign in the entrance is the only item the company saved from its former location in Entergy Center..